Welcome to another edition of the oh-so-witty titled article, “The Iron Side of the Stories.” I run down some of the recent events in the world of professional wrestling, and I give you my thoughts. It’s that simple. So– let’s get to it:
Ring Of Honor Headed To Destination America
Well, my first thought is… good for Ring of Honor! ROH has gave us great matches and helped create so many top stars over the last thirteen years– Punk, Cabana, Rollins, Bryan, Cesaro, Owens, Sydal, Aries, etc. But I’m unsure if my second thought is to feel bad for Total Nonstop Action.
Here’s the thing: Maybe I’m behind on the updates, but I’ve been reading conflicting reports. I read that the goal of signing ROH to Destination America was to create a one-two punch of wrestling for the network, with ROH being a strong lead-in for Impact, and Impact being a lead-in for the ROH replay. According to reports, D.A. wants to be the network for the pro wrestling alternatives.
Now I’m not a network executive, but if you’re looking to strike ratings gold with your two pro wrestling shows, shouldn’t the focus be more on a strong lead-in for both ROH and TNA? For example, back in the day, “Walker: Texas Ranger” reruns did great numbers for the USA Network, so they specifically aired Walker right before Monday Night Raw, with the hopes that Walker fans would stick around for pro wrestling. Again, I’m not working behind the scenes at a major network, so I’m just spitballing here. For all I know, D.A. may already have that lead-in show. I don’t have D.A., nor do I have any idea what they air other than wrestling.
*shrug*
The other reports I read stated that no one in TNA knew about Destination America’s decision to air Ring Of Honor programming, and that when it was announced online, no one in TNA were not happy. It’s being reported that TNA will air on D.A. until September, and then they will be gone, with an apparent memo being leaked online. As I’ve stated before, though, we can’t believe everything put online.
Whatever the situation, I hope that both ROH and TNA can remain on Destination America together. A lot of great individuals make their living in the two conpanies, and it’s my hope that they can continue to do so. To my knowledge, with the exception of ECW running for two weeks while Raw was on TNN, this will be the first time two different wrestling promotions aired on the same network on a regular basis. Best of luck to both organizations!
Kevin Owens Defeats John Cena– Cleanly– At Elimination Chamber
What a strange sight for me to see. For the last few years, I’ve shared locker rooms and the occasional conversation with the man formerly known as Kevin Steen. It seems like virtually overnight, the man now known as Kevin Owens has went from wresting in front of a few hundred on the independent scene, to dominating WWE’s NXT brand, to defeating the man whose face has been the selling point of WWE TV for the better part of a decade.
Owens doesn’t fit the stereotypical WWE mold. At first glance from the average fan, you may not think much of him. Last night, however, Kevin Owens proved that he belongs. It can be argued that Owens/Cena was the best match on the Elimination Chamber card on Sunday.
After Owens win over Cena, the Internet spontaneously combusted. Most were overjoyed, but just as many were instantly whining.
“Cena no sold the finish.”
“They announced a rematch at Money In The Bank. Clearly they’re gonna give Cena his win back. BULLS**T.”
These are just two examples. Here’s a crazy concept, guys: enjoy the moment. Is it that difficult. Life is a series of moments, with many bad, and many good. Enjoy the good, for Christ’s sake. No matter what happens at the next pay per view, understand that John Cena made Kevin Owens on Sunday. In fact, Cena has help put so many young guys on the radar over the last few weeks. Can you imagine Hulk Hogan doing that in his prime?
Sheamus Lands Role In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2
Sheamus was caught on set of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sequel, playing the role of a pre-mutated Rocksteady. I didn’t really dig Sheamus’s new look before, but I’m going to assume he came up with the look to land the movie role. Mad respect to Sheamus!
That’s it for today. If you like what you read, share this article, and please pre-order the new Handicapped Heroes shirt at this link:
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-Greg
